In vitro evaluation of negative pressure generated during application of negative suction volumes by use of various syringes with and without thoracostomy tubes

Microliposuction and radiofrequency combined with the thread technique as a new method used in lower face lifting

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive facial rejuvenation is a popular and well-established treatment for patients seeking facial lifting.

OBJECTIVE

The authors combined facial microliposuction, radiofrequency, and thread lifting technology as a comprehensive treatment (LRT) for facial rejuvenation in a case series of 57 patients.

METHODS

A total of 76 patients underwent surgery and 75% completed 6 months of follow-up (57 patients); the patients were aged 26 to 51 (33.6 ± 4.5) years. All patients were followed up for hematoma within 1 week after the operation and for skin numbness and muscle paralysis at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction with the postoperative aesthetic effects was analyzed by Face-Q™ at 6 months after the operation.

RESULTS

The score for hematoma within 1 week was 1.21 ± 0.33, scores for postoperative skin numbness within 1 week and 3 months were 2.06 ± 0.51 and 1.17 ± 0.32, respectively, and scores for postoperative muscle paralysis within 1 week and 3 months were 1.31 ± 0.55 and 1.00 ± 0, respectively. Fifty-seven patients completed Face-Q™ (score: 22.1 ± 1.8, standard score: 82.2 ± 14.8).

CONCLUSION

LRT is a minimally invasive method that can achieve a synergistic and satisfactory result for patients with mild to moderate facial skin sagging.

Low Negative Pressure Combined With Supertumescence Microliposuction as a New Method for Repairing Facial Fat Overfilling: A Case Series of 32 Patients

BACKGROUND

Face fat overfilling sometimes occurs and is unfortunately very difficult to repair.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to report initial experience of microliposuction with low negative pressure combined with supertumescence (LNPST) in a case series of 32 patients.

METHODS

The LNPST microliposuction was performed in 32 patients aged 22 to 41 years (mean [standard deviation] age, 29.6 [4.9] years) with facial overfilling. Discomfort and bleeding were monitored intraoperatively by 2 independent plastic surgeons, who used a grading system to record the results. All patients were followed-up for hematoma within 1 week postoperatively and for skin numbness and muscle paralysis at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. In addition, at 6 months postoperatively, patient satisfaction with the postoperative aesthetic effects was analyzed by FACE-Q questionnaire.

RESULTS

All patients successfully completed the operation under local anesthesia. The mean intraoperative discomfort and blood-loss scores were 1.69 [0.62] and 1.22 [0.41], respectively. The hematoma score was 1.13 [0.34] within 1 week. Other scores included postoperative skin numbness (1 week, 1.96 [0.62]; 3 months, 1.13 [0.33]) and postoperative muscle paralysis (1 week, 1.22 [0.51]; 3 months, 1.0 [0]). Overall, neither skin necrosis nor serious complications requiring revision surgery occurred. Seventy-two percent of the patients (n = 23) answered the FACE-Q questionnaire and the score was 21.8 (1.7), covering satisfaction with the outcome score into a standard score (81.7 [15.1], from 0 to 100), which verified the high satisfaction rate.

CONCLUSIONS

LNPST technology is a safe and effective method for repair of facial fat overfilling, with less bleeding, less nerve injury, fewer complications, and high patient satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4